![About 60 percent of the body is made up of water. It forms a major part of the blood. The cells and the body cannot function right if the water levels go down. Drinking cold water often causes “cold stress” in the body.](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/how-much-water-should-we-drink.jpg?output-quality=75)
About 60 percent of the body is made up of water. It forms a major part of the blood. The cells and the body cannot function right if the water levels go down. However, should a person have warm or cold water? You may have been told not to drink cold water as a child Well, it seems science backs the recommendations.
Numerous studies have been conducted to assess the effect of water temperature on health. Though the evidence is often conflicting, enough studies have established that drinking cold water more often is linked to colds and flu, especially in children and in the elderly.
Drinking cold water often causes “cold stress” in the body. This is more apparent in those who have weak immunity (kids, diabetics) and the elderly. The cold stress
- Causes vasoconstriction in the respiratory tract lining. This means the blood vessels in the throat narrow in response to cold.
- Can reduce the movement of cilia (hair-like projections in the throat lining), which sweep viruses and bacteria away when they try to attach to the throat.
- Can temporarily reduce the white blood cell numbers (which guards the body).
- Can reduce the release of cytokines (chemicals that improve immune response to infection).
So, where flu is a concern, it is better to be cautious and drink warm or room temperature water to stay away from colds, especially during winter months.
What are the benefits of drinking warm water?
The benefits of drinking warm water are attested by many branches of eastern medicine. Indian ayurvedic and Chinese medicine have always encouraged the use of warm or room temperature water for drinking and bathing.
- Regularly drinking very warm water, especially in the morning, is claimed to activate the system and boost metabolism.
- The warm water helps increase gut movement and empty the bowel.
- Drinking warm water often helps those who suffer from constipation.
- Warm water with a pinch of turmeric and honey may soothe an itchy throat. However, avoid honey in babies younger than 12 months old.
The only place where drinking cold water may help is during exercise. Many studies claim drinking cold water while exercising helps keep the core temperature lower. This makes it possible for people to exercise for longer.
How much water should you drink?
Six to eight glasses per day are enough if a person leads a sedentary life. If a person exercises regularly, they should increase their water intake. Many experts suggest drinking a large glass (16 ounces) of room temperature water a couple of hours before exercising and a cup (8 ounces) about 10 or 20 minutes before beginning to exercise. While exercising, especially in hot climates, sip cold water at least every 15 or 20 minutes.
![](https://images.medicinenet.com//images/slideshow/foods-that-arent-as-healthy-as-you-think/foods-that-arent-as-healthy-as-you-think-s1-bulletproof-coffee.jpg)
SLIDESHOW
Foods That Aren't as Healthy as You Think See SlideshowThe International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
Top Is Drinking Cold Water Bad Related Articles
Can Drinking Water Lower Your Blood Pressure?
Keeping well hydrated by drinking six to eight glasses of water daily (even more if working in hot and humid conditions) is beneficial for the blood pressure. High blood pressure (BP) or hypertension is a condition caused by the persistent high pressure of blood against the walls of arteries. It is also called systolic pressure (constantly greater than 139 mmHg) or diastolic pressure (constantly more than 89 mmHg).Can You Flush Out a UTI With Water?
Patients with urinary tract infection (UTI) are usually advised to drink six to eight glasses (1.5 to 2 liters) of water every day to flush the infection out of the urinary system.Does Tea Hydrate Better Than Water?
In the water-versus-tea battle, water still wins. Because water doesn't contain caffeine, sugar, or other additives, it's the purest form of hydration.Healthy Living and Disease Prevention
The importance of a healthy lifestyle in disease prevention is widely understood and most people know that lifestyle changes and choices can be critical to good health. Learn about healthy behaviors that constitute healthy living.How Long Before a Colonoscopy Should I Stop Drinking Water?
A colonoscopy is a test to look at the inside of the colon. Usually, doctors recommend patients undergoing a colonoscopy to stop drinking clear liquid or water at least three to four hours before the procedure. However, patients with diabetes and who are dehydrated may take a few sips of water after consulting their doctor.How Much Water Should You Drink Based on Your Weight?
Generally, you should aim to drink about 64 ounces of water per day. Check out the center below for more medical references on nutrition, including multimedia (slideshows, images, and quizzes), related disease conditions, treatment and diagnosis, medications, and prevention or wellness.Hydration Quiz
Do you know how much water you should be drinking on a daily basis? It may not be what you think. Take this quiz to learn how to stay hydrated.Is Drinking a Lot of Water Good for Your Prostate?
Doctors recommend drinking six to eight glasses of water (or 1.5 to 2 liters) daily. For prostate problems, limit water intake before going to bed at night. This will keep you from waking up at night to urinate repeatedly.Is Drinking Distilled Water Good or Bad for You?
Distilled water is considered the purest form of water. There are both potential risks and benefits of drinking distilled water.7 Ways Water Benefits the Body
Drinking water benefits digestion, metabolism, toxin elimination, and other functions. Water promotes weight loss and helps prevent dehydration. Health benefits of hydration include improvements in mood, skin health, and ability to work out.What Is the Healthiest Water to Drink?
Mineral water and alkaline water may be some of the healthiest types of water because they provide your body with essential nutrientsWhat Is the Quickest Way to Rehydrate Your Body?
Water is the best way to hydrate your body, but it's not the only option. There are other ways you can rehydrate.Water Safety: What's Inside Your Drinking Water?`
What are the benefits of drinking water? How do you keep your drinking water safe and healthy? Learn about the water you drink and possible contaminants like giardia, cryptosporidium, lead, chlorine, and more. Discover how to boil your water in an emergency, and why fluoride in tap water is healthy for teeth.